Win hearts, minds of people in fight against militancy: Azad to govt

Banihal, July 25: Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad today urged the government to take proactive measures to win the hearts and minds of the people in the fight against militancy.

He was talking to media persons here. Azad expressed concerns over the resurgence of militancy in Jammu province and its potential threat to the currently thriving tourism sector, a press release said. He said that during his tenure as Chief Minister, militancy in the Jammu province was almost nil. The DPAP Chairman acknowledged the government’s current approach to tackling militancy but stressed that further measures are needed to end militancy completely, as its continuation will affect both peace and tourism.

“The people of J&K, yearn for peace, and it is imperative for the government to initiate measures that foster trust and goodwill among the people. While there are always enemies of peace who thrive on discord and unrest, our history shows that a positive and inclusive approach can ensure lasting harmony,” Azad said. Reflecting on past successes, he added, “In previous times, we managed to secure peace through our constructive efforts and positive engagement. It is our hope that the current government will adopt a similar strategy to bring about stability and tranquility in the region.”

In an interaction with party office bearers, Azad spoke about the importance of informed voting and the dangers of succumbing to emotional appeals and false propaganda. He pointed out that many elected representatives are unable to effectively advocate for their people in Parliament. Azad stated, “People often vote based on emotions and misleading propaganda. However, the reality is that those they vote for frequently cannot plead their case in Parliament. We must help people understand the necessity of choosing representatives who can raise their voices and drive development.” He warned that if the current trend continues, it would lead to increased suffering for the people. Azad called for a shift in voter mentality towards selecting capable and effective representatives who can truly serve the interests of their people.